A real sense of migration today as no fewer than 5(!) different Osprey were logged in the harbour today, with 3 seen from today’s Spring Safari Cruise (and likely the same 3 seen later in the afternoon in the Wareham Channel) along with 1 Hobby, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Marsh Harrier and the first Swift of the season over Swineham. All adding to an impressive boat list that included 1 White-tailed Eagle, 1 Spoonbill and Avocet, several singing Reed, Sedge and Cetti’s Warbler. There was also a decent stream of Swallow passing low over the water during the whole trip along with a few House Martin and Sand Martin too. Meanwhile Lytchett Bay produced female Redstart tail flicking in Pools Field, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Wheatear, Whimbrel and re-appearance of the Garganey pair – not bad going at all! A further 2 Swifts were seen passing north over the Poole Harbour mouth, as well as 9 Swallow, Gannet, 10 Sandwich and 10 Common Tern.

As we cruise into May, Birds of Poole Harbour are running an exciting series of events to help learn about, experience & enjoy spring migration at its very best. Our Up With The Lark cruises offer a unique opportunity to tour the inaccessible areas of the harbour whilst bathing in bird sound. Learn how to separate singing warblers as we meander up the Frome Valley listening out for the beautiful songs of Cuckoo and Skylark.
Our Morden Bog Dawn Chorus ID Courses aim to unpack bird sounds, separating those tricky confusion species like Meadow and Tree Pipit, by combining vocalisations with field skills and breaking down of diagnostic plumage characteristics so you can head out this spring and approach bird ID with a newfound confidence and enthusiasm.

Unringed Osprey – RSPB Arne

Firecrest – Holme Lane – Peter Moore